Taking it all for granted...

As I was nosing around the internet at work this morning I noticed a picture of a group of Soldiers who had obviously been at the nearby Shoppette (civilian version of gas station) from the bags of treat they carried and were walking back to the railhead about three-quarters of a mile away. Seeing this picture caused me to think about some things. Some personal convictions that I’ve taken for granted.We (Americans) live in a world of luxury and ease. We read the news, watch on TV or hear stories of poverty, despair and destruction, but these Soldiers have seen it with their own eyes. When I compare our trivial issues to what they endure I am ashamed. We complain when we wait 45 minutes for our food to be brought to the table when we eat at restaurants, but when is the last time we had to walk a mile to a dining facility just to get a hot meal. We are irritated and put out when the TV in the next room or neighbor’s apartment is too loud and keeps us from sleeping, but when is the last time we had mortars and bombs interrupt our sleep? We complain when we have to haul bags of groceries up flights of stairs because the elevator is broken, but when is the last time we had to walk from our room to the bathroom with a rifle and 70 pounds of protective gear? We scream, curse and rant at driving in rush hour traffic, but when is the last time we had to travel in a single file convoy at 35 MPH, guns ready, eyes scanning the horizon praying feverishly that the vehicles in the front and back of us carrying our friends doesn’t suddenly explode from an unseen bomb? We complain when our children drag mud and dirt onto our clean floor, but when is the last time we had to wait out a dust storm, sand swirling around us, darkness overshadowing us thankful that at least we’ve got shelter to keep out of the wind. We complain that our children have once again spread all of their clothes and junk around their room, but when is the last time we lived out of a green duffle bag, clothes spread out to “air out” so we can wear them “one more” day before going to the laundry. We get frustrated at the clutter on the fridge door as collections of artwork and grades fall to the ground when the door is opened, but when is the last time we taped up those same pictures and schoolwork because it was the only link we had to our loved ones. When you think about all that we have, yet still manage to find reasons to complain, it sounds so simple and childish … nay, it sounds selfish and greedy. How does a country that has come so far in freedoms of its people, manage to be burdened by the very things that we take for granted. Tonight, when my children leave their wet towels on the floor after their showers, or I have to pick up dirty dishes from the table long after they’ve gone off to their separate activities, I won’t complain or grumble that once again I’ve had to do everything. I’ll be happy that I have people in my life who are my EVERRYTHING and that caring for them is a great gift from God.

You don’t know what you have until it’s gone, and I’m learning that lesson with this separation and deployment.

Pictures ....

Okay, so I'm finally posting the pictures that I recieved from Adrian last week. I've been nagging him about pictures since he first left, and here I am holding on to them... So here they are...

This first one is of Adrian's first "room". Isnt it awful.. LOL. I'm only teasing, Adrian.

This is his newest room... They moved this week from one tent to another...

This is Adrian and some of the guys he works with daily. From top to bottom and then on the right.... on top is Gonzo, on the hood is Woods, right side Monroe, Adrian, and Foster on the left..

This is Sgt. Foster... who has become a part of Adrian and myselfs secret joke.. LOL.. Thanks Foster... each time I walk throught the Fruit Dept at Kroger's, I can't help but laugh at his comments.. LOL